RealGM Wiretap

Timofey Mozgov Isn't Focused On Upcoming Free Agency

Apr 16, 2013 2:00 PM

MILWAUKEE – All season long, Timofey Mozgov has made clear his desire for an increased role in the Denver Nuggets’ rotation. George Karl has trusted Kosta Koufos and JaVale McGee as his two centers, though, and Mozgov has played just 40 games.

At this point, Mozgov wants to deflect his impending free agency to the side and focus on the Nuggets’ playoff run. Mozgov had been expected to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and he told RealGM that he hasn’t heard any indication about a possible qualifying offer tender from the Nuggets and isn’t worrying about where he could play next season.

“I don’t want to think right now about what is going on in the summer,” Mozgov said. “Now we have playoff time … games we got to win. It will be a time for [a decision] in the summer.”

Although he continues to sit on the bench, Mozgov hasn’t lost his workout habits – lifting weights, running on a treadmill and working on low-post moves every day. His most playing time this season came in a Jan. 28 win over the Indiana Pacers, when he scored 10 points and grabbed three rebounds in 25 minutes.

Mozgov was an integral piece in the Carmelo Anthony trade of 2011, and the 26-year-old center still believes there’s plenty of time to show exactly why.

“I feel confident I can play,” Mozgov said. “I know I can play and I know Coach knows I can play, so I feel confident. I just need some [playing] time.”